ATLANTA (AP) — A man was arrested at Atlanta’s bustling airport on Monday after his family tipped police off about his intention to carry out a shooting, resulting in the discovery of an assault rifle and ammunition in his vehicle parked outside the terminal.
Billy Joe Cagle, a 49-year-old resident of Cartersville, Georgia, had reportedly livestreamed his violent intentions on social media before arriving at one of the world’s busiest airports, according to Atlanta's police chief, Darin Schierbaum.
“The Cartersville Police Department was alerted by Mr. Cagle's family, who described his social media stream as him being on his way to the Atlanta airport to ‘shoot it up,’” Schierbaum disclosed during a news conference.
Upon Cagle’s arrival at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in his Chevrolet truck, police discovered an AR-15 rifle along with 27 rounds of ammunition. Schierbaum underscored the family’s role in preventing potential catastrophe, stating, “We’re here today briefing you on a success and not a tragedy because a family saw something and said something.”
Cartersville police Capt. Greg Sparacio echoed these sentiments, noting that Cagle appeared determined to harm as many people as possible.
The police presented surveillance footage showing Cagle's arrival at the airport moments before he was apprehended. Body-camera video revealed emotions escalating as officers identified Cagle and executed his arrest.
Cagle now faces several charges, including making terroristic threats, criminal attempt to commit aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm by a felon, among others. Law enforcement plans to collaborate with federal agencies to investigate how he procured the weapon legally prohibited for his possession.
Mayor Andre Dickens expressed relief that the crisis was averted, emphasizing the critical role of community vigilance in incident prevention.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also commended the swift law enforcement response, stating, “I am thankful this individual was taken into custody by law enforcement before harming anyone.”
